Hatch
By: Heidi Cooper Smith
Go on a beautiful journey from beach to bush, meeting Australia's amazing egg-laying animals.
What kind of animals lay eggs? Where do they lay them, and how do they look after them? + Full description
Meet some of Australia's incredible egg-laying animals. Starting at the sea, Hatch takes us on a journey inland and underground, to the treetops high above, and back down to a waterhole, till finally we reach the sea once more.
With detailed and vibrant illustrations, Hatch provides a glimpse of these amazing egg-laying creatures, the unique habitats in which they live and how they look after their young.
Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 5 to 9.
- Short descriptionReviews
"Heidi Cooper Smith's digital watercolour illustrations are soft, colourful and engaging... With its mix of narrative, illustrations, educational text and glossary, Hatch is suitable for both preschool and primary school-aged children."
Angela Meyer, Books+Publishing, 11 February 2025
"This is a most beautifully told story with just as beautiful illustrations, that fills your heart with love and wonderment of our world."
Jane Stephens, Good Reading Magazine, April 2025
"Do you know many Australian animals which lay eggs? Hatch, by Heidi Cooper Smith answers this question in such a gorgeous way. […] The stunning illustrations show their unique habitats and children will love learning about how they look after their young"
Rita, @get.kids.booked (Instagram), 21 March 2025
"With stunningly detailed illustrations, this [book] is perfect for curious minds eager to explore the animal kingdom"
Abby, @abbys_fabulous_library (Instagram), 16 March 2025
Hatch is a delightful, inviting, richly illustrated book that children pore over"
Aleesah Darlison, Little Darlings (Facebook), 2 April 2025
"Through beautiful, detailed illustrations that make you want to touch, and accessible text that is expanded with more information in the latter pages, double page spreads open up a wondrous world of life beginning, in, on and under the landscape."
Barbara Braxton, The Bottom Shelf, 6 April 2025
Details
Hardback | April 2025 | $ 26.99ISBN: 9781486318278 | 32 pages | 250 x 250 mm
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Colour illustrations
ePDF | April 2025
ISBN: 9781486318285
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Available from eRetailers
ePUB | April 2025
ISBN: 9781486318292
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Available from eRetailers
Features
- Features a variety of unique Australian animals, including reptiles, birds, insects and monotremes, and their habitats.
- Beautiful illustrations that contain lots of detail for kids to explore.
- Includes animals found in the Australian bush and even some city backyards, encouraging kids to go out and observe these animals and their behaviour for themselves.
Contents
Main storyWhat exactly is an egg?
The egg-cellent animals in our story
Easter eggs – hidden surprises!
Glossary
Authors
Heidi Cooper Smith has always held a love and fascination for animals, particularly those that could be found in her own backyard. Growing up in the bush on a diet of David Attenborough documentaries, she wants to help foster this appreciation in the next generation.
For Teachers
We have created these Teacher Notes as a free PDF download to support the use of this book in the classroom.
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